I think, especially when you're in college, each book that you're reading tends to tell you who you are.

She was a large, disordered woman, like a child's drawing that didn't stay within the lines.

our job was merely to create the noise that seemed to fascinate them.

I had a briefcase at one point, but it was a kind of 1980s New Wave briefcase. It was made of some kind of cardboard and it had metal hinges. It was kind of faux industrial looking, and I used to carry my books in it rather than a backpack. I didn't want to have normal student accoutrements.

He remained heartbroken, which meant one of two things: either his love was pure and true and earthshakingly significant; or he was addicted to feeling forlorn, he liked being heartbroken.

The world, a tired performer, offers us another half-assed season.

Every novelist should possess a hermaphroditic imagination.